Heart Health and Medicare: Key Insights for American Heart Month
Christian Huth | Feb 09 2026 16:00
American Heart Month: Small Steps Today for a Healthier Heart Tomorrow ❤️
February marks American Heart Month —a timely reminder that supporting heart health goes far beyond wearing red. It’s an opportunity to pause, reflect, and take intentional steps toward protecting your cardiovascular health and overall well-being.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organization , approximately 17.9 million lives are lost each year to heart-related conditions. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that nearly one out of every three deaths is linked to heart disease.
Those statistics can feel overwhelming—but there’s encouraging news. Many heart-related conditions are preventable. With healthy daily habits and the preventive benefits available through Medicare , you can take meaningful, proactive steps to protect your heart and your long-term health.
Building a Strong Foundation Through Prevention
Heart health often starts with the basics: regular movement, balanced nutrition, quality sleep, and managing stress. When these habits are paired with Medicare’s preventive care benefits, they create a well-rounded and powerful approach to cardiovascular wellness.
1. Screenings and Diagnostic Testing
Knowing your numbers is one of the most important steps in preventing heart disease. Medicare Part B covers cholesterol and lipid screenings every five years, as well as routine checks for blood pressure and diabetes—two major risk factors for heart disease.
For individuals with existing heart conditions or higher risk, physicians may recommend additional testing that Medicare may also help cover. Routine screenings allow you to catch concerns early and take action before they become more serious.
2. Support for Lifestyle and Behavior Changes
Medicare includes coverage for one cardiovascular behavioral therapy session each year. During this visit, your provider can review your diet, exercise routine, and medications, and help you identify realistic changes that support heart health.
This personalized guidance offers accountability, education, and encouragement—helping turn good intentions into lasting habits.
3. Help With Quitting Smoking
Smoking is one of the most preventable contributors to heart disease. Both Original Medicare and many Medicare Advantage plans cover smoking cessation counseling, programs, and certain medications.
The benefits of quitting begin quickly—within just one year, the risk of heart attack drops significantly. For many, this is one of the most impactful steps they can take toward better health.
4. Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs
After a major cardiac event—such as a heart attack, bypass surgery, angioplasty, or valve replacement—Medicare covers eligible cardiac rehabilitation programs. These services often include supervised exercise, education, counseling, and ongoing medical oversight.
The goal is to restore strength, improve heart function, and reduce the risk of future complications, all while providing structured support during recovery.
5. Hospital Care and Heart Procedures
Medicare Part A helps cover inpatient hospital care related to heart conditions, including surgeries, monitoring, and recovery. Coverage generally includes hospital stays, meals, nursing care, and necessary services following a qualifying admission.
Having this support in place can help reduce stress during an already challenging time and allow you to focus fully on healing.
6. Annual Wellness Visits and Ongoing Preventive Care
Your annual wellness visit—covered by Medicare Part B—is another valuable opportunity to stay proactive. During this appointment, your provider reviews blood pressure, cholesterol, lifestyle risks, and other factors that influence heart health.
Most Medicare plans cover this visit at no additional cost, making it an easy and effective way to stay engaged in your health year after year.
Why Preventive Care Matters
Preventive care is one of the most powerful tools for reducing the risk of heart disease. These services are designed to catch early warning signs, reinforce healthy habits, and empower you with information to make confident healthcare decisions.
Medicare’s preventive benefits help make heart-healthy care more accessible and affordable—encouraging action before problems arise.
Final Thoughts
Heart disease may be common, but it is not inevitable. By pairing healthy lifestyle choices with Medicare’s preventive benefits, you can take meaningful steps toward a stronger, healthier heart.
This American Heart Month, consider scheduling your annual wellness visit, reviewing your preventive care options, and committing to even one small change that supports your heart. Small steps today can lead to lasting benefits—for this year and for many years to come.